IPL 2022 Retention: MS Dhoni knows the value of Jadeja to CSK, says Uthappa after all-rounder bags Rs 16 crore

India and former Chennai Super Kings batter Robin Uthappa on Tuesday said MS Dhoni himself would have taken the decision to retain him as the 2nd pick ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 auction, saying the CSK captain understands the value of Ravindra Jadeja who was the top pick in Tuesday’s retention process.

Chennai Super Kings retained Ravindra Jadeja for Rs 16 crore while MS Dhoni was held back for Rs 12 crore. England all-rounder Moeen Ali was retained for Rs 8 crore while opener Ruturaj Gaikwad was retained for Rs 8 crore as the 4-time champions spent Rs 42 crore on retentions.

IPL 2022 Retention: Highlights | Full List

MS Dhoni, who said he wanted to play his farewell match in Chennai, quashing speculation over his future in the IPL, had hinted that his retention by CSK will depend on the auction strategy.

Speaking to Star Sports on Tuesday, Robin Uthappa said CSK’s retention is a clear indication that the 4-time champions are looking to groom Ravindra Jadeja as their next captain after MS Dhoni decides to retire from competitive cricket.

MS Dhoni did not contribute much with the bat in IPL 2021 but he was as good as ever with his tactics on the field as he led CSK to their 4th title, helping them bounce back from the lows of the 2020 season in the UAE.

“I am sure that is MS Dhoni’s doing itself. He knows the value that Jadeja has to the unit. I think from what I understand, Jadeja might be someone who could end up leading the squad in the future as well when MS Dhoni retires. They have given him the due he deserved,” Uthappa said.

Meanwhile, Parthiv Patel also stressed that Jadeja is being looked at as the next CSK captain by the franchise.

“He is the guy whom they are investing in to be the next captain. He has been terrific as a player. He has done well in Test cricket, we have seen him batting at No. 6 in ODI cricket as well. So I would like to see him take that responsibility. So I think Ravindra Jadeja will take over as captain once MS Dhoni decides not to play,” he added.

It WAS HARD TO LEAVE OUT PLAYERS LIKE DU PLESSIS, BRAVO: L BALAJI

Bowling coach L Balaji, meanwhile, stressed that MS Dhoni will remain the heart and soul of the franchise and that the World Cup-winning former India captain will forever be his skipper.

“Jadeja is a proven CSK performer. What he has done in the recent past with the bat and the ball has been phenomenal. Moeen actually balances the team with the off-spin part and a left-hander in the top-order. We are very happy to retain Rutu as well. There is no doubt about his ability.

The SU4ER KINGS #YelloveAgain #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/esmttRf48c

— Chennai Super Kings – Mask Pdu Whistle Pdu! (@ChennaiIPL) November 30, 2021

“Nobody else can replace MS Dhoni. For me, he is my captain always. He is the heart and soul of the franchise. Fans as well expect to see him. There is a long way to go as well but of course, MS is my captain,” Balaji said.

Meanwhile, Balaji also said it was difficult to not retain the likes of Faf du Plessis, Ambati Rayudu and Dwayne Bravo who have been integral to the team’s success over the years.

“We always believe that the family environment extends to on-field performances. So it’s very hard to leave out established players like Faf du Plessis. He has been brilliant. It’s an emotional as well as a hard decision. The likes of Rayudu — he has been phenomenal. Dwayne Bravo has been a brand, one of the major entertainers. It’s tough to leave these guys out but we had to do it,” he added.